How to Check a Canine Prostate

Male dogs have a prostate much like a human.

Male dogs have a prostate gland similar in function to the gland found in humans. The gland surrounds the urethra, the passage from the bladder to the penis, and creates the fluids that make up the bulk of semen. According to the Dog Health Guide, most of the prostate is removed during the castration surgery. Most prostate conditions are limited to unneutered dogs. Examination of the dog's prostate is part of a veterinarian exam and not usually performed by the pet owner.

Instructions

1. Palpate the dog's prostate with a lubricated and gloved finger inserted into the dog's rectum. Veterinarians are trained to recognize the proper shape, texture and size of the prostate.

2. X-ray the prostate. Veterinarians often perform X-ray or ultrasound testing if the digital palpation indicated any abnormalities, according to WebVet. The X-ray or ultrasound produces a picture of the gland. Veterinarians use those images, along with other tests, to determine any prostate problems.

3. Biopsy the dog's prostate. A small sample of the prostate is removed surgically and is analyzed to determine if the prostate has cancerous cells. This step is performed to determine the cause of any abnormal prostate findings from the X-ray or digital exam.

Tips & Warnings

• Three disease processes can cause canine prostate problems. According to the Dog Health Guide, the most common is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) followed by prostate infection and prostate cancer. Veterinarians can perform blood or urine tests to determine if any infection is present.

• Canine prostate problems are often first noted when the dog has trouble urinating or is constipated. The location of the prostate can cause blockage to both the urethra and the colon. The dog may have symptoms such as fever, bloody urine or, in advanced cases, difficulty in moving its rear legs.

• There is no canine equivalent to the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test used in humans to determine prostate cancer.

References

• WebVet: Prostate Cancer
• Dog Health Guide: Prostate Problem in Dog